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29 APPENDIX A CHARTER COMMITTEE ON EARTH SCIENCES of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology The Committee on Earth Sciences (CES) is hereby estab- lished by action of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET). FCCSET derives its current authority from executive Order 12039 of February 24, 1978. Purpose and Functions A goal of earth sciences is to understand, on a global scale, how the highly interactive system comprised of the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere and magnetosphere, and the biosphere has evolved, how it functions today, and how it will evolve in the future. In addition to basic research, earth science R&D includes continued development of the technol- ogy needed for observations of the earth system and increased emphasis on collection, analysis, and archiving of data on a global scale from satellite and ground-based measurements needed for long-term research efforts and addressing national policy issues which depend on a characterization of human- kind's impact, or potential impact, on the global environment. The purpose of the Committee on Earth Sciences is to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal R&D efforts directed toward an understanding of the Earth as a global system. In fulfilling this purpose the Committee addresses significant national policy matters which cut across agency boundaries. Specifically the CES: a. reviews Federal R&D programs in earth sciences including both national and international programs; b. improves planning, coordination, and communication among Federal agencies engaged in earth sciences R&D;
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